The Edinburgh Science Festival is all but shunning global warming this year - just as they did last year. The only mention I can find in the just-released programme for 2013 is this, quite breathtakingly dull-sounding discussion panel:

FAITH IN THE FUTURE: THE CHURCH AND OUR ENVIRONMENTWe cannot combat the effects of climate change without altering how we behave. With 2000 years of experience in guiding our faith and behaviour, what role could the church have to play in the future of our environment? Lesley Riddoch chairs a fascinating panel discussion with Professor Michael Northcott from the University of Edinburgh, Professor Stephen Reicher from The University of St Andrews, Dr Rebekah Widdowfield from the Scottish Government and Morag Wilson from WWF Scotland.6pm (90 minutes) • £8/£6 • Teviot Row Dining RoomPresented by Eco-Congregation Scotland.

There is also this, which doesn't mention climate but does feature Chris Rapley. I just can't guess what his dangerous idea might be.

MY DANGEROUS IDEAThe history of science is full of discoveries considered socially, morally, or emotionally dangerous in their time but which later became accepted – think Darwin and Copernicus for starters! But what are today’s most dangerous ideas? Join a selection of previous Edinburgh Medal recipients – including neurobiologist Professor Colin Blakemore and UCL’s Professor of Climate Science Professor Chris Rapley – as they share with you their dangerous ideas in a rare chance to hear from some of the most provocative minds in science.8pm (90 minutes) • £10/£8 • Teviot Row Debating Hall.

Rapley often says "scientists should not be activists"- Bishop criticised him August 2012 - maybe he is toning himself down compared to the past, he has a lecture in Bristol in 2 weeks and the intro page isn't totally over the top alarmist pleading

"..With 2000 years of experience in guiding our faith and behaviour, what role could the church have to play in the future of our environment?.."

One of the few remaining services that the Church can provide for the nation is to act as a conscience for those in authority. There is a clear role for the Church to play in the 'future of our environment' - it could start by stressing that lying is a bad thing to do...

Stew Green, not sure about that. Here is Rapley in full political activist mode in his call to climate scientists to "raft up" last August:

"I believe that the Internet provides the forum for like-minded and motivated climate scientists from all disciplines to mobilize and transform the impact of climate science on the public and politics."

- Yes Paul Matthews you are right maybe a "wolf in sheeps clothing" I just checked The Turnbull vs Rapley debateand on sea level rise he cites SKEPTICAL SCIENCE (the alarmist activist website)- seems Rapley got burnt when as part of his alarmist Science Museum Exhibit he included an opinion poll hoping to prove the public "believes" in alarmist views .. and then found that the skeptics always won by more than 30%.. and that's why he thinks scientists being activists is counter productive.

PS have you guys seen the news on Italian windfarms ? - "Police have arrested five people in eastern Sicily suspected of involvement in Mafia corruption over contracts to build wind farms, Italian media report." that's BUILD not OPERATE ..and after 6 were arrested in December- story from BBC